Ivins: Nay on Hillary

The always eloquent Molly Ivins has a column out that every Democratic Party strategist ought to read. She talks about how we've had enough politicians run for president who don't take a clear stand on anything. Ivins goes on to say that the fact that Hillary Clinton can't decide how she feels about the Iraq war ought to disqualify her right off the bat in a run for the oval office.

"Enough. Enough triangulation, calculation and equivocation. Enough clever straddling, enough not offending anyone. This is not a Dick Morris election. Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her. Her failure to speak out on Terri Schiavo, not to mention that gross pandering on flag-burning, are just contemptible little dodges.

The recent death of Gene McCarthy reminded me of a lesson I spent a long, long time unlearning, so now I have to re-learn it. It's about political courage and heroes, and when a country is desperate for leadership. There are times when regular politics will not do, and this is one of those times. There are times a country is so tired of bull that only the truth can provide relief."

Tip o' the hat to Xoff.